The NCO Creed, in full
Army · word for word from the source below
No one is more professional than I. I am a noncommissioned officer, a leader of Soldiers. As a noncommissioned officer, I realize that I am a member of a time honored corps, which is known as "The Backbone of the Army". I am proud of the Corps of noncommissioned officers and will at all times conduct myself so as to bring credit upon the Corps, the military service and my country regardless of the situation in which I find myself. I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure, profit, or personal safety.
Competence is my watchword. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind—accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my Soldiers. I will strive to remain technically and tactically proficient. I am aware of my role as a noncommissioned officer. I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent in that role. All Soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my Soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my Soldiers and never leave them uninformed. I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and punishment.
Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their duties; they will not have to accomplish mine. I will earn their respect and confidence as well as that of my Soldiers. I will be loyal to those with whom I serve; seniors, peers, and subordinates alike. I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders. I will not compromise my integrity, nor my moral courage. I will not forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget that we are professionals, noncommissioned officers, leaders!
Source: U.S. Army, NCO Creed (Army Values), read November 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Paragraphs
- 3
- Opens with
- "No one is more professional than I."
- Closes with
- "...we are professionals, noncommissioned officers, leaders!"
- First letters of the paragraphs
- N, C, O
About the NCO Creed
The creed has three paragraphs. Their first words are "No one," "Competence" and "Officers," so the opening letters spell N, C, O.
The second paragraph names the two basic responsibilities every NCO is asked to keep "uppermost": "accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my Soldiers." The third paragraph is the one about officers and peers, and it ends: "we are professionals, noncommissioned officers, leaders!"
The Army rank chart shows every Army enlisted grade and its title.